Hyundai Exter: Performance Explained

The Hyundai Exter is a small SUV which is intended for daily driving, family outings and for occasional highway trips. It comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and an OEM CNG system. Both variants feature engines with four cylinders, with the petrol version available with both manual and automated manual versions. The CNG variant is aimed towards those who are looking for fuel efficiency and reduced running expenses.The engine has a power output of 136 hp.

Hyundai Exter is equipped with a 1.197cc 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine. It produces 83 PS of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and 113.8 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. A five-speed manual transmission and a five-speed ‘Smart Auto AMT' are available for buyers.

The AMT transmission eliminates the need to use a clutch and automatically shifts gears - perfect for drivers who frequently drive in traffic. Meanwhile, the manual gearbox allows the driver to select the gears directly.

The CNG version that is factory fitted comes with the same 1.2 litre engine but is run in a bi-fuel mode. When running in CNG mode, it generates 69 PS of power and 95.2 Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It produces less than the petrol version, in keeping with its principles of driving economy.

City Driving Performance

The Exter's naturally aspirated petrol engine is ideal for day-to-day city driving. The high power output is great for everyday driving, and its small size may make it easier to handle on narrow streets and in parking spaces.

Drivers that want to have control over gear changes will prefer the five-speed manual transmission. In stop-start traffic, the AMT version is more convenient for drivers since they do not have to use a clutch pedal by hand. But an automatic manual transmission may differ in feel when gearing up or down from a standard automatic transmission.

Drivers who make frequent and short commutes, and have easy access to CNG stations, might be interested in the CNG variant. It can be slower to accelerate and react, especially when fully loaded and when used on uphill sections of the road, than can be the petrol version.

Highway Performance

For regular road trips, the Exter will need its standard petrol engine with 1.2 litres of fuel. On higher speeds, the acceleration is dependent on the road conditions, load in the vehicle and the chosen gear. When passing or going up a hill, drivers may have to change gears.

The AMT is convenient on extended trips but the manual option gives more direct control of the gears. Also, the CNG variant can be used for tourists travel but due to its power reduction, it may be advisable to accelerate more carefully whilst fully loaded.

The Exter is more of an everyday vehicle for commutation, and it is not designed to be a high-performance vehicle.

Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

The Hyundai Exter comes with varying fuel-economy ratings, depending on the fuel type. As per the claims made by Autocar India, the claimed numbers are:

- Petrol manual: Up to 19.4 km/l

- CNG manual: Up to 27.1 km/kg

These are reported and not guaranteed results. Actual mileage may vary due to traffic conditions, driving conditions, load, air conditioning and road conditions.

The CNG variant could help cut fuel cost for frequent travellers, while the petrol model provides flexibility of traditional fueling.

Final Verdict

A combination of 1.2 litre petrol engine, manual and AMT transmission options and an as-optional CNG power package makes the Hyundai Exter a practical option. The petrol version is ideal for routine trips to and from work, or for frequent journeys on the highways, and the AMT may make city driving easier. If the running cost is a primary concern of yours, you might want to consider the CNG version.

The selection of the appropriate powertrain will be based on the distance travelled per day, the road conditions, the users' preference for transmission and the availability of CNG refuelling stations.